Jones has not commented on either situation and Cincinnati athletic director Whit Babcock told the website in a text message that he would not comment on coaching searches.

Cincinnati is believed to be renegotiating Jones’ contract, according to Cincinnati.com. He is under contract through the end of the 2017 season and has a $1.4 million buyout clause in his current contract if he leaves before Jan. 1. According to the USA Today college football coaches salaries database, Jones is paid $1.76 million annually.

Jones, in his third season with the Bearcats, is a former Brian Kelly assistant. Jones replaced Kelly at both Central Michigan and at Cincinnati.

Cincinnati plays Connecticut Saturday for a share of the Big East title. The Bearcats tied for first for the title last season as well and went on to win the Liberty Bowl. Jones was named the 2011 Big East Coach of the Year. It was a big turnaround from his first season when the team finished 4-8 in 2010.

Purdue fired coach Danny Hope after four seasons, including a 6-6 record this year. Hope will receive a $600,000 buyout. Purdue had a 23-27 overall record under Hope, including a 13-19 mark in the Big Ten.

Colorado coach Jon Embree had an even shorter string. He was dismissed after two miserable seasons in which the Buffaloes were just 4-21, including 1-11 this season.